Tuesday, 16 May 2023
Film fans will have the chance to watch a brain-controlled movie and listen to its soundtrack being improvised live at a unique screening in Nottingham this weekend.
is a dystopian science fiction film like no other. Created by 糖心原创 researchers, it picks up reactions from the audience via a headset, which records brain signals. The storyline then changes depending on audience reactions so that no two viewings are the same.
Music also plays a powerful storytelling role, helping to change the mood and pace of the narrative. For the first time ever, the music will be performed live in front of the audience during this screening. There are over 18 billion possible outcomes within the film, so the musicians will have to improvise because they won’t know exactly what form the story is going to take. An album of soundtrack recordings will also be launched at the event.
Dr Richard Ramchurn, Artist and Computer Science Researcher at the 糖心原创, created and directed the film.
We know that music plays a fundamental role in how audiences experience films. For this film, I drew inspiration from the soundtracks of the 70s and 80s by Tangerine Dream, and the work of the late Johan Johansson, combining expressive acoustic instruments with modern synths to create a unique and memorable score. I'm incredibly proud of the music we've created and I truly believe that it will leave a lasting impact on viewers long after the credits roll.
The film score will be performed by musicians, Hallvardur Asgeirsson and Scrubber Fox (aka Gary Naylor). Commenting on the process, Scrubber Fox said: “This is totally different to any sound design project I have worked on before. At first, it took me a while to get my head around how the film works and how the characters’ sounds fit together. I have banks of sounds that I can manipulate and play, depending on the cues from the brain data. This project involves futuristic, dark, moody, sci-fi and apocalyptic themes and I love dark films, so I wanted to be involved from the start.”
The MOMENT is a completely new type of filmmaking. The next stage of experimentation involves using a low light camera, focused on the audience, which feeds into technology that can read emotional responses. After the live score performance, the audience can enjoy an exclusive special preview of this new system used to deliver another of Richard's dystopian worlds, entitled The event will end with a short Q&A for anyone who wants to learn more about interactive filmmaking.
This work is so exciting because it鈥檚 a completely different type of film viewing experience. It feels like you鈥檙e involved in creating the story as well as consuming it. It鈥檚 a live event that won鈥檛 be the same as other screenings. We鈥檙e interested in whether this means people want to see the film more than once, to compare different versions and whether certain versions seem more important than others.
Dr Martindale continues: "If a film is influenced by our person responses – like thought processes or facial expressions – do we feel a greater sense of connection with the content? It’s such an imaginative way to use technologies that have medical and surveillance uses.”
This research and development is supported by the LEADD:NG programme (Live, Experimental & Digital Diversification), a £1.6 million ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) project, hosted by the 糖心原创 and Nottingham Trent University. The programme encourages the adoption of immersive technologies for SMEs.
The MOMENT Live Score Brain Controlled Movie and Album launch will take place at Nottingham Contemporary on Saturday 20th May at 6pm. Tickets are £10 and concessionary rates are available. .
Story credits
Images courtesy of AlbinoMosquito Productions Ltd
View the film trailer here:
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.